Sunny
Orange County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Three miles of state beach between Huntington and Sunset — quieter than Huntington Beach proper, fire rings allowed in the evening (a rare SoCal beach allowing this), and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve salt marsh across the highway is a top California birdwatching site.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
72°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 91. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 91°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 72°F water — swimmable, refreshing
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:51 AM | Low | -0.7 ft |
| 9:12 AM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 2:40 PM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 8:45 PM | High | 6.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:23 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 9:40 AM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 3:24 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 9:28 PM | High | 6.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:53 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:08 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 4:06 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 10:09 PM | High | 5.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:21 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 10:35 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 4:48 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 10:51 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:47 AM | Low | 0.9 ft |
| 11:02 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 5:31 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 11:35 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:11 AM | Low | 1.5 ft |
| 11:30 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 6:18 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:23 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 5:31 AM | Low | 2.1 ft |
| 11:58 AM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 7:12 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9410660, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Sunny
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 6 — high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 91°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
State lots along PCH; $15/day.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Entry Fee
$15/vehicle.
Address
17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Bolsa Chica State Beach today?
Bolsa Chica State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Bolsa Chica State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
$15/vehicle.
Are there lifeguards at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Bolsa Chica State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
Amenities at Bolsa Chica State Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, fire rings, campground (Sunset Beach side), wildlife reserve nearby.
When is the water warmest at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Bolsa Chica State Beach located?
Bolsa Chica State Beach is in Orange County, CA, at 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS